CARAT WEIGHT

A carat is a measure of weight, which also indicates size.

Carat weight refers to the weight of the stone, as measured in carats. Since diamonds are priced on a "per carat" basis, a diamond which weighs more will generally cost more. In addition, "per carat" prices increase as diamonds increase in weight. As a result, a two-carat diamond will generally cost approximately three times as much as a one-carat diamond of the same quality.

It is important to remember that carat weight is not the same as "spread" or visible size. A poorly cut diamond weighing 2.10 carats can actually appear smaller than a well cut diamond weighing 1.90 carats. This is because of differences in the way the weight is distributed. Think of a diamond as an ice cream cone. While the cone at the bottom serves as an edible container, the smooth creamy ice cream at the top attracts your attention. Likewise, once a diamond is mounted, only its top (or "crown") is most visible. If the diamond is cut so that too much weight is retained in the bottom (or "pavilion") of the stone, the diamond will appear much smaller than a properly proportioned diamond of the same weight.

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called “points,” 1ct .= 1.00; ½ ct. = 0.50.

"The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the way it is cut."